Q2 2016 Private residential flash estimates – URA

Prices of private residential properties fell 0.4 percent in Q2 2016, compared to the 0.7 percent decline recorded during the previous quarter, according to latest flash estimates from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).

This represents the 11th consecutive quarter of price falls, the longest losing streak on record.

“The latest price indicators are mixed across the various regions, but there are signs that the market is approaching a trough,” said Desmond Sim, Head of CBRE Research, Singapore and South East Asia.

In fact, the 0.2 percent price increase in the CCR could be an indication of “flight to value”.

“The CCR has been tracking two quarters of increases in the price index, buoyed by the new project Cairnhill Nine in Q1 2016, as well as sales of completed projects in the higher price bands, despite the fact that the CCR covers a wide geography,” noted Sim.

He expects the increase to continue and “eventually prop up the overall price index for the next quarter to hover at the region of zero percent”.

Meanwhile, the success of new projects such as Sturdee Residences and Gem Residences, as well as completed projects on the resale market, have helped to boost price levels in the RCR, added Sim.

The URA’s flash estimates were compiled based on transaction prices given in contracts submitted for stamp duty payment and data on new units sold by developers up till mid-June.